Three high risk work licences suspended after safety breaches

SafeWork SA has issued a warning to businesses and workers about the risks of working around overhead powerlines after three workers had their licences suspended for up to 12 months due to a series of safety breaches involving powerlines. Two workers had their licences suspended after a mobile crane struck a high-voltage 11 kV powerline. Another worker had their licence suspended after erecting a scaffold one metre from an 11 kV powerline and less than 30 cm from a low-voltage 415 V powerline.

So far this year, 11 incidents have been reported to SafeWork SA, including a driver who struck 11 kV powerlines at a Largs North business. No one was injured in this incident, which caused a power outage, and SafeWork SA inspectors attended the scene.

The suspension of the three workers was the result of investigations by SafeWork SA. The incident involving the mobile crane occurred during work to install rainwater tanks at a residential property at Carey Gully on 22 January 2024. Following the incident, the crane operator and the rigger had their high risk work licences suspended for six months. The safe working distance for the mobile crane that struck the powerline would have been three metres if a spotter had been onsite to ensure the distance was maintained.

The scaffolder, who was working at a residential construction site at Windsor Gardens on 8 May 2024, had their high risk work licence suspended for 12 months. The safe working distance for workers installing scaffolding near an 11 kV powerline and a 415 V powerline is three metres.

Safe working distances vary according to the type of work being undertaken, equipment used and voltage of the powerlines — it is essential that a risk assessment is undertaken. Other notable incidents have included a crane hitting a high-voltage powerline on 21 June; an excavator bringing down powerlines on 21 March and 3 June; and an underground high-voltage wire exploding after being struck by an excavator on 12 April. No serious injuries were reported in any of these incidents.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell said working near powerlines can be fatal if correct procedures are not followed. “The inherent dangers of high risk work means it is of critical importance that people comply with work health and safety laws. In suspending high risk work licences, SafeWork SA is sending a clear signal we will not tolerate dangerous work practices. People granted a high risk work licence have undergone specialist training and have no excuse for putting themselves or other people in danger,” Farrell said.

Image credit: iStock.com/KaraGrubis